Failure to Timely Address Resident Pain Using Available Medication
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including perforation of intestine and peritoneal abscess was admitted to the facility and had an order for oxycodone immediate release 10 mg as needed every six hours for moderate to severe pain. Upon arrival, the resident repeatedly requested her pain medication, reporting significant pain, vomiting, and crying, but was informed by staff that the pharmacy delivery was pending. The resident did not receive her ordered pain medication until the following day, despite continued complaints of pain. Nursing staff were aware of the resident's pain and the outstanding medication order, with one LPN reporting the need to follow up with the pharmacy or utilize the emergency drug kit, which contained the required medication. However, documentation shows that the pain medication was not administered on the day of admission, and the first dose was given the next day after a STAT order was placed. Facility policy required that residents receive pain management in accordance with professional standards, but staff did not utilize available resources to address the resident's pain in a timely manner.